Intensive outpatient treatment offers a way to continue recovery with support while reducing the chances of a relapse. In fact, types of outpatient programs serve as higher steps in the recovery process. Participating in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) can benefit clients in multiple ways, including the following:

Gives More Freedom in Daily Schedules for Clients

Participating in an intensive outpatient program provides clients more daily freedom with their schedules. In fact, some allow for participation at home in support groups and therapy sessions. Clients who choose to go to the IOP in person can return home at night. While at home, they can continue to practice their sobriety skills with their friends and family.

The extra freedom in clients’ schedules comes from the lowered intensity of an IOP compared to the level of care one step above it, partial hospitalization programs, or PHP. While the former requires 30 hours of group therapy, an IOP only requires 15 hours. However, clients also must participate in individual therapy sessions and other program requirements. The shorter number of hours required each week, though, gives clients in IOP a greater amount of free time compared to PHP.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment May Help with Relapse Prevention

While every level of care focuses on relapse prevention, each stage has strict requirements to ensure safe progression. For instance, in IOP, clients cannot proceed to outpatient care in the community unless they complete the following:

• Participation with peers of all community treatment requirements
• Meeting all individual treatment goals set with a therapist
• Finishing the 5th step of a 12-Step program with a sponsor
• Creation and approval of an aftercare plan
• Participation in Family Therapy Day
• Medical clearance

By meeting these rigorous requirements, clients have a greater chance of avoiding returning to their addictions. In fact, by day 60 of our substance abuse treatment programs, between 80% and 90% of clients reported feeling extremely confident in staying sober.

Provides Access to Counseling and Group Sessions

While IOPs have more time flexibility, they still provide the same high-quality care found in residential treatment programs. All clients in IOP have access to weekly individual therapy programs. Plus, they attend 15 hours of group therapy sessions. Both provide the support to progress through the program. Consequently, if clients meet with temptations during their time at home, they still have a supportive environment to discuss those issues.

Offers Accountability from a Motivational Team

The goal of substance abuse treatment is sobriety. Throughout intensive outpatient treatment, clients have a motivating team to help them along the way. Both group care with fellow clients and individual counseling can help the client gain conflict resolution, self-esteem, and social skills. 

Having accountability ensures that the client has a team of people who will keep them on the path to sobriety. With other participants and staff helping them, clients have both accountability and support. As they learn new skills, they can better resist temptations to use substances on their own. Plus, after IOP, clients will still have continuing support through a community-based aftercare program. Some may choose to also live in area sober homes for added support.

Find Out More About Intensive Outpatient Treatment at Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, Maine

Those who need to start addiction recovery with detox and residential treatment or who need a lower level of care through intensive outpatient treatment can get the help they need from one location, Liberty Bay Recovery Center. Our location in Portland, ME, offers a convenient location for new clients and their families. For more information about our intensive outpatient treatment, detox, and other levels of care, contact us today by phone at [Direct] or online through our contact form.